Cryptic Definition Clues In Cryptic Crosswords

One of the rarer clue types to be encountered when solving cryptic crosswords is called the "cryptic definition".

How does this vary from the other clue types, and what does it mean?

Well, it varies from them in this very important way: there is only a definition, but it is phrased in quite a cryptic way. As you will know, most clue types have two distinct parts: the straight answer and the cryptic clue. That is not the case here.

As such, these clues are often quite short, although not necessarily.

To solve these clues you need to try and think what else the clue might mean, above and beyond the obvious meaning that your brain will probably leap straight to. These often involve looking at different meanings of the words in the clue from the obvious ones, or else taking the phrase not at face value but literally, and then that leading you to the answer.

Cryptic definitions can be quite frustrating, but when you get the answer they can be one of the most satisfying cryptic clues as they often contain an 'aha' moment, and as they are often witty and a bit of a joke they can induce a smile or even a laugh out loud moment in rare cases.

Another thing to look out for in cryptic definition clues is that a word may not be used in its usual sense, not just in a cryptic or very literal sense. The most common example of this is the word 'flower' not referring to a pansy or geranium, but to a flow-er: something that flows - a river. So a 'London flower' would be 'Thames' for instance, or the word 'sticky' wouldn't have anything to do with glue, but something that is literally like a stick or on a stick.

As with everything, an example always helps, so here goes: see if you can work out the answer to the clue below before reading the explanation underneath:

Essential item for a hold-up (6)

The answer here is BRACES, since they literally hold up trousers. Were you thinking of things like weapons or a bank hold-up, perhaps?

We hope that this is a useful introduction to cryptic definition clues and how to solve them. Do you have a favourite cryptic definition clue, or perhaps you've come across one that you just don't understand? Feel free to share your thoughts below!

Tips On Increasing Your VocabularyIncreasing your vocabulary can be great fun, and certainly it doesn't need to be a chore. If you are interested in building your vocabulary, then chances are that you are interested in words anyway, so learning more will be that rare thing - a truly fun...Added: 15 Mar 2015

Cryptic Clues That Refer To Other CluesClues that refer to other clues in the grid are quite common when solving cryptic crosswords, and also occasionally appear in quick crosswords, although less often.
In the latter case the referencing is usually quite straightforward, such as simply an...Added: 20 Apr 2015

Become A Cryptic Crossword WriterAre you interested in crosswords, and would like to become a crossword author? Then this could be your chance to get your puzzles published on our expanding website!
We are currently looking for some new, talented crossword writers to create puzzles...Added: 15 May 2015

Code Puzzles And Letter FrequenciesIf you are interested in tackling the codewords on Wordy Puzzle, but are not sure how to get going with the puzzles, then here is one of many tactics you can use to help you crack open the puzzle: letter frequencies.
You will no doubt know that some...Added: 17 Mar 2015